By Paul Tuthill
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Springfield, MA – Massachusetts is making funds available to the communities hit by the June 1st tornadoes to help plan rebuilding projects. The announcement was made Tuesday by the state's Lieutenant Governor during a visit to Springfield. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports..
Massachusetts Lt Governor Timothy Murray says 230 thousand dollars in competitive planning grants will be available to the cities and towns that are rebuilding from the devastating June 1st tornadoes.
The storms tore up a 39 mile path through 19 communities from Westfield to Charlton, leaving hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage and claiming three lives.
Murray said planning will be key to a successful recovery.
The grant money is part of a 15 million dollar supplemental budget for the state emergency response to the tornadoes that was approved by the state legislature and signed by Governor Deval Patrick in June. Municipal officials can begin applying for the money next week through the state's Department of Housing and Economic Development. The funds can be used to hire a professional planner or a regional planning agency to assist communities with rebuilding efforts.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno says the city is already advertising to hire a consultant with experience in urban disaster recovery .
State Senator Gale Candaras says the planning grants could also be very useful for Wilbraham, the suburban community she represents that was hit by the June First tornadoes and a series of subsequent severe summer storms.
Lt Governor Murray toured a Head Start center in Springfield that was extensively damaged on June 1st, but has now reopened. He was asked to access the overall recovery effort.
Murray stressed that FEMA and the US Small Business Administration have set August 22nd deadlines for individuals and business owners to register for disaster assistance.
Reporting from Springfield, I'm Paul Tuthill..WAMC News.